Sounds Like New
ZELIENOPLE — When Lucille Schubert was cleaning out her house earlier this year she had to decide what to do with one unique item.
It is a pump organ made by the Bridgeport Organ Company more than 100 years ago.
Because it would be difficult to sell, she sought out a new home to which she could donate the instrument. In October, she found a home for it at the Passavant House, 243 S. Main St., Zelienople, headquarters of the Zelienople Historical Society.
“I wanted to find a church, or a place like where it is now, where someone would appreciate having something beautiful. Hopefully they'll play it fairly often,” she said.
Schubert, a resident of Cranberry Township, said she was downsizing her possessions, including the organ, after the passing of her husband Walter in March.
Although she said she can't remember how they acquired it, the couple had the organ in their home for nearly 10 years.
Schubert said she had a professional inspect the organ to see if it needed any restoration work and was told it was still in prime condition. The only piece that has been replaced or repaired was the tread on the pedals, she said.
Though neither Schubert nor her husband could play the instrument, her mother-in-law is a piano teacher and had played it in the past. The organ looks similar to a player piano, though the person playing it needs to pump the foot pedals to get air circulating through a bellows that makes sounds with a reed.
After doing some research, Schubert discovered the Bridgeport Organ Company, based in Bridgeport, Conn., experienced a fire and shut down in 1902. That means the organ is at least 112 years old, possibly older.
Elizabeth Jacobs, director of the Zelienople Historical Society, said the museum was happy to accept the organ and even found a way to incorporate it in its programs.
“It's Victorian-style, very ornate and beautiful, and it plays beautifully. It even has the original tuning key on the back of it,” Jacobs said.
The organ is on display in the reception area inside the front door of the museum and will be played by a volunteer when school groups visit, Jacobs said.
The school groups are taught about the life and music of American composer Stephen Foster, who lived in Pittsburgh, and the organ is used to play some of his music, Jacobs said.
The organ is always on display and can be viewed at the museum. The historical society offers tours of its two buildings at 9:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. To make a reservation, call 724-452-9457.
